Master Etsuo Hongo, founder and leader of Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko, studied traditional taiko drumming in his home country of Japan. He brought his taiko experience to Los Angeles in 1977, inspiring and teaching generations of taiko players. Hongo's teachings include not only the technical aspects of taiko, but the discipline, etiquette and spirit of the drum which are equally important elements of learning taiko.
L.A. Matsuri Taiko has been invited to perform at some of the largest taiko gatherings in the United States, including the International Taiko Festival and the International Taiko conference. The group has also performed at the U.S. Sumo Open, Tokyo City Cup at the Santa Anita Racetrack, Los Angeles Marathon as well as many of the local community and private events.
Our Group
We currently have 16 members which include kids as young as 12, and many of our members have been in this group for 5-10 years.
Our group seeks to raise the level of intensity and enjoyment of taiko for ourselves, as well as the audience, by striving for a high level of group unity.
